I joined AWCL because I wanted to challenge and grow myself to the next dizzying height of achievements. I am looking to connect with like-minded individuals- creatives, who will grow, challenge and inspire me ... I joined AWCL because I felt the time has come for Women in the arts, to take leadership positions in the Creative industry. I am super passionate about youth empowerment especially because I feel their potential is largely stifled in my country and if it were properly harnessed the entire continent would explode culturally and economically.... I joined AWCL to get a sense of direction and perspective on how to effectively start an Arts and Cultural Centre in Eldoret. I now have a great sense of strength and capacity as an aspiring leader. I would like to collaborate with a reputable arts and cultural centre in Southern Africa.” ... I got addicted to words and performance at the age of six, when my mother, a literature teacher, took me along to her poetry and drama sessions. I am now an author and a journalist with nine years of experience in writing and editing, and I share my thoughts in my arts and culture blog. AWCL is for me an opportunity to network with other African cultural journalists, educate myself on the dynamics and players of the industry beyond Kenya. The future I want for the arts and culture sector is one where as Africans, we will be fully expressing our creativity, our wisdom and our values, responsible for our communities and the world!

#AWCL2016 Meet The Mentees

To contact any of the AWCL mentees, contact Arterial Network or connect with them on our Facebook page here

Faith Oneya: “I am a lover and creator of words. I dream about being a successful writer and leading women up the same path. I joined AWCL because I wanted to challenge and grow myself to the next dizzying height of achievements. I am looking to connect with like-minded individuals- creatives, who will grow, challenge and inspire me. My favourite quote is by writer Anne Bruce: "Do less of what lessens you. Do more of what magnifies your soul, your gifts and your higher purpose."”

Christine Gathiuni: “I am a Creative Entrepreneur, Designer and Innovator at AfriShiq. I run a shoe upcycling business where we give your used shoes and accessories a makeover in African fabric. I joined AWCL because I felt the time has come for Women in the arts, to take leadership positions in the Creative industry. I am super passionate about youth empowerment especially because I feel their potential is largely stifled in my country and if it were properly harnessed the entire continent would explode culturally and economically. I'm looking for connections with fashion industry leaders who would like to empower women and youth on the continent. It’s Time for Africa!”

Ivy Kimtai: “I am the founder of The Young Clover Media, a Not for profit organization with mission to transform communities through the arts and to make arts and culture a self-sustaining industry in Eldoret Kenya. I joined AWCL to get a sense of direction and perspective on how to effectively start an Arts and Cultural Centre in Eldoret. I now have a great sense of strength and capacity as an aspiring leader. I would like to collaborate with a reputable arts and cultural centre in Southern Africa.”

Millicent Muthoni: “I got addicted to words and performance at the age of six, when my mother, a literature teacher, took me along to her poetry and drama sessions. I am now an author and a journalist with nine years of experience in writing and editing, and I share my thoughts in my arts and culture blog. AWCL is for me an opportunity to network with other African cultural journalists, educate myself on the dynamics and players of the industry beyond Kenya. The future I want for the arts and culture sector is one where as Africans, we will be fully expressing our creativity, our wisdom and our values, responsible for our communities and the world!”

Nyokabi Githahu: “I am an honest, disciplined, hardworking, intelligent and smart African woman. My current project is called “Big Brother Big Sister”, a mentorship program for the youth in my community (churches and public schools) which focus on leadership skills. I am also working on new designs for Hand crafted Nyokabi African Beads.”

Sherry Abraham: “I am a Filmmaker.My dream is to tell stories about Africa, its beauty, its culture and its values.I joined AWCL because I wanted to stand on a strong foundation and join a platform that would allow me to get to know myself better, to get inspired and always be informed about various opportunities.”

Wambui Lamu: “I am a career Graphic Designer. I joined AWCL because I felt stuck in what I was doing but had yet many ideas to implement. I am currently working on the launch of a magazine “Natural Hair & Living Magazine”. I dream the magazine will be a force to reckon within the Hair & Beauty industry. I am looking for fundraising opportunities and expertise. I am unique because I have a highly creative way of looking at problems and have worked at learning to provide creative solutions for the last 12 years. My favourite quote is by Gina Din (Gina Din Foundation) which states“#BecauseICan; I believe I can and I shall achieve what it is I set out to do.”

Kawira Mirero: “I am a creative entrepreneur, Owner and Designer at MamboPambo, a Design Studio based in Nairobi, Kenya. I dream one day to design and make thousands of beautiful clothes that find homes all over the World. I am currently working on my Kenya AutumnWinter 16 Collection, the Collection Look Book. I joined AWCL to meet new people, grow as a leader, to validate my belief and strong love for Africa, and the African Woman, and to be part of a community that is propelling Africa onwards and upwards through art and culture.I am looking for connections that will give me opportunities to light someone else's candle, by serving, touching and inspiring others. My favourite quote is by Father James Keller “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle”.

Sue Wanjiru: “I am a full time actor and writer from Kenya. I am the founder of Lokhem kids Entertainment Ltd, an organization whose aim is to creatively develop and nurture talent and leadership skills in children aged 6-12 years old. I am currently working on a kids magazine, an animation and the pre-production of a short film, Msaliti. I also run the Afrikan Renaissance blog which mainly focuses on showcasing young African Leaders under 35 who are empowering and transforming their communities. I am looking for partners who are successful filmmakers within and without Africa, as well as connections within organizations that focus on the African child. My favourite quote is from the Bible, “In whatever you do, do it excellently”.”

Sheila Akwany: “I am the Programmes Officer at Kuona Trust, a leading Visual Arts Centre in Nairobi. I work closely with artists designing and implementing an exciting array of art programmes and projects. I am currently working on the development of a 3 year artist incubator programme that aims to nurture the growth and development of artists, while providing them a platform to implement their business and artistic ideas. I joined AWCL because I believe in the potential of Africa’s creative sector and want to develop viable and sustainable strategies that will provide better direction for the industry as a whole in the present context. I look forward to connecting with other people who believe in Africa’s creative economy and see the potential of its rich and diverse culture.”

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Creatives Garage

Creatives Garage is a multi-disciplinary collective space for Creatives to network, share ideas, collaborate, learn, gain market accessibility and push boundaries. Our goal is to create a thriving eco-system that impacts investing opportunities to deliver financial and social double bottom-line returns. We work with visual artists, performing artists and tech innovators who are social change agents in the society. Creatives Garage is a registered Arts Trust based in Nairobi. It was formed in 2012 and registered in 2013.